ISLAMABAD: Prices of essential kitchen items showed an upward trend this past week compared to the previous one, according to a survey conducted by Business Recorder on Saturday.
The survey noted an increase in sugar prices, rising from Rs 7,200 to Rs 7,350 per 50 kg bag in wholesale markets. In retail, sugar is being sold in the range of Rs150–170 per kg, compared to Rs155–165 previously.
Wheat flour prices, however, declined: in wholesale markets, the price dropped from Rs 1,970 to Rs 1,900 per 15 kg bag, while in retail it is being sold at Rs 1,950 compared to Rs 2,050 earlier. No changes were observed in Roti, Naan, and Paratha prices, which tandoor owners had increased three weeks ago without any specific reason. Roti is being sold at Rs25 (previously Rs20), Naan at Rs30 (previously Rs25), and Paratha at Rs60 (previously Rs50). Bakery and confectionery items also remained unchanged, with normal-sized bread priced at Rs150 (up from Rs140), small-sized bread at Rs110, and family-sized bread at Rs210.
Chicken prices slightly decreased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 11,800 per 40 kg in wholesale markets. In retail, chicken is being sold at Rs335–345 per kg compared to Rs340–350 earlier, while chicken meat is available in the range of Rs488–550 per kg depending on the area. Egg prices also fell, from Rs 6,600 to Rs 6,200 per carton (30 dozen) in wholesale markets, while in retail eggs are being sold at Rs240–250 per dozen. Butchers, however, unilaterally increased meat prices without official approval. Mutton prices rose by Rs200–300 per kg, with normal quality now at Rs 2,600–2,700 per kg (up from Rs 2,400) and best quality at Rs 2,800–3,000 per kg (up from Rs 2,700–2,800). Beef prices also increased: boneless beef rose from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,650 per kg, while mixed beef went from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,400 per kg. Fish prices remained stable, with varieties available in the range of Rs450–800 per kg.
Ghee and cooking oil prices showed no change. B-grade ghee/oil is available at Rs 6,250 per carton of 16 packs in wholesale markets, retailing at Rs410 per 900-gram pack. Premium brands such as Dalda remained stable at Rs 2,820 per 5 kg tin, retailing at Rs 2,900 per 5-litre bottle.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices also remained unchanged officially, with OGRA setting the rate at Rs225 per kg. However, retailers are charging Rs330–350 per kg, while a domestic cylinder (15 kg) is being sold at Rs 4,700 against the official Rs 3,390, reflecting overcharging of Rs 1,310 per cylinder.
Rice prices remained stable, with top-quality new basmati available at Rs 11,900 per 40 kg bag in wholesale markets, retailing at Rs340 per kg. Other varieties ranged from Rs140–300 per kg depending on quality.
Tea prices also remained unchanged, with Lipton Yellow Label at Rs 2,000 per 900-gram pack and Islamabad Tea at Rs 1,700 per kg.
Spices such as turmeric and red chilli powder showed no change, though retailers continued to charge significantly above wholesale rates. Branded spices like Shan and National remained at Rs150 per 39-gram pack.
Cooked food prices were stable: a plate of dal/vegetables costs Rs320, beef Rs550, chicken Rs500, and mutton Rs750. Naan/roti is sold at Rs25–30, while tea costs Rs70–100 per cup.
Pulse prices declined across several varieties, with reductions of Rs20–40 per kg in both wholesale and retail markets. For example, maash pulse dropped from Rs 14,800 to Rs 13,800 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs400–460 per kg. Similar declines were noted in gram, moong, masoor, and lentils.
Packed milk prices remained stable, with Milk-Pak and Olpers retailing at Rs360 per litre. Fresh milk is sold at Rs240–250 per litre, while yogurt remains at Rs250 per kg. Powdered milk brands such as Nido and Lactogen also showed no change.
Soap, detergent, and soft drink prices remained stable. Safeguard soap is available at Rs165 per pack, while detergents like Ariel and Brite retail at Rs580 per kg pack. Family-sized soft drink bottles are priced at Rs230.
Vegetable prices showed mixed trends. Potatoes remained stable, onions and tomatoes declined, while ginger, garlic, capsicum, pumpkins, and other vegetables saw increases. Retail prices continue to exceed official rates, with vendors ignoring government price lists.
Fruit prices generally increased, with bananas, apples, guavas, oranges, grapes, pomegranates, strawberries, melons, and watermelons all selling at higher rates compared to the previous week.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026